Mastery goal structures for a fourth grade science classroom

This study investigates the influence of modeling instruction for a solar engineering design challenge on students' achievement goal orientations. Two classrooms received five weeks of modeling instruction using whiteboarding strategies. Students' goal orientations were measured before and after the learning experience using the goal orientation sub scale of the self-report questionnaire, Patterns of Adaptive Learning (PALS). Preliminary analysis revealed that students' performance approach and avoid goals increased, but saw no improvement in the students' mastery goals. This study provided insight to the possible ways in which modeling instruction may be enhancing negative performance goals within the context of a high-stakes environment. Discussion highlights the importance of motivational supports for creating a classroom environment that supports mastery learning.